Deborah: The Woman Who Would Lead
“Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” Judges 4:14
When we meet Deborah, Israel has once again forgotten the Lord. After years of peace, the people turn to idols, and God allows them to fall under the cruel hand of Jabin, king of Canaan. For twenty years, the Israelites suffer under oppression until their cries finally reach heaven.
And heaven answers, through a woman.
Deborah’s name means “bee,” a fitting symbol for one who worked diligently, brought sweetness through her words, and stung the enemies of Israel when provoked. Scripture tells us she judged Israel beneath a palm tree, a tree of righteousness and victory, in the hill country of Ephraim. From this simple place, she listened to God and led His people with discernment and authority.
At a time when women were not expected to lead nations or command armies, Deborah’s courage and faith stirred the hearts of Israel. She was not ambitious; she was obedient. She didn’t volunteer for glory; she answered God’s call.
God’s message to her was clear: “Go, take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor. I will lead Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.” (Judges 4:6–7)
But Barak hesitated. Like so many of us, he wanted reassurance before obedience. He said, “If you go with me, I’ll go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” (Judges 4:8) Deborah didn’t scold him, she went. Yet she spoke truth: “The honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”
And so it was. The battle belonged to the Lord. Rain flooded the Kishon River, immobilizing the enemy’s chariots. Barak’s men swept through in victory. And Sisera, fleeing on foot, met his end at the hand of Jael, another woman whose courage was used by God.
Israel’s victory began not with weapons, but with a woman who believed. Deborah’s faith set in motion deliverance for an entire nation.
A Lesson for Our Time
Israel’s history is the story of God’s faithfulness to a people who forget Him and His relentless mercy in calling them back. Deborah reminds us that when others grow faint, God still raises up voices of courage and conviction. In times of fear, when darkness seems to win, He still anoints modern-day Esthers and Deborahs to stand and lead with wisdom, grace, and unwavering trust in His promises.
Today, Israel again faces enemies who wish to destroy her. But as Deborah sang in her victory song:
“March on, my soul; be strong!” (Judges 5:21)
That same Spirit calls to us. We are to pray, to speak truth, and to act with faith because the same God who went before Deborah still goes before Israel now.
Just as Deborah declared, “When leaders lead in Israel, when the people willingly offer themselves, bless the Lord!” (Judges 5:2) may we also rise in obedience and courage. For God delights in using those who will say yes.
Three Ways to Lead Like Deborah
-
Listen for God’s Voice.
Deborah’s strength didn’t come from power or position — it came from her posture before God. She led because she first listened. “Under the Palm of Deborah,” she sought the Lord’s wisdom daily. True leadership begins in prayer and quiet obedience. -
Act with Courage, Not Comfort.
When God said “Go,” Deborah didn’t wait for the perfect moment. She trusted that “the Lord has gone ahead.” Faithful leaders move even when the outcome isn’t certain because they know Who directs the battle. -
Give God the Glory.
Deborah didn’t claim victory for herself. In her song, she gave thanks to the Lord for what He had done. Leadership rooted in humility always points back to God’s power and mercy, not human achievement.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, give me Deborah’s ears to hear Your voice and her courage to obey it. When fear whispers, help me to remember that You go before me. Bless the leaders of Israel and raise up women of faith who will speak Your truth with wisdom and boldness. Strengthen the modern-day Esthers and Deborahs who stand for Your people and for Your name.
March on, my soul; be strong. Amen.
